On June 8th., 1860 the friends of the Protestant Episcopal Church held a
meeting in the Cumberland Presbyterian place of worship for the purpose
of organizing an Episcopal congregation. Bishop Alex Gregg, D. D. was
called to the chair and E. G. Benners appointed secretary, the Rev. E.
A. Wagner being present, the secretary read the articles of association
which had been prepared in accordance with the canons.
Signed by:
E. G. Benners
Helen Benners
Abbie Foscue
Amanda M. Winslow
Adeline G. Pitkins
W. I. C. Rogers
I. Winslow
Orville Yerger
Virginia Yerger
A. M. Walker
Jennie E. Duke
Alexander Starr
Emmer Charlotte Cox
Martha Murphy
Virginia Todd
H. Witherspoon
Services were held in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Freemans Hall,
and private homes until 1886 when the new church was completed. Bishop
Gregg was the first clergyman to preach in the new church and Rev. E. G.
Benners the first minister in charge.
Members of the first vestry were: E. C. Benners, Orville Yerger, John
Winslow, Dr. A. M. Walker, Dr. W. C. Rogers, Dr. H. Witherspoon, H. H.
Black, and Judge W. S. Todd.
At one time the church was badly damaged by storm and Dr. D. Guinn, who
was minister in charge at the time, remodeled the church using the old
building as a foundation. It was made into a beautiful brick veneer
building.